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The Free JavaScript campaign
by
Zak Rogoff
Contributions
Published on
Aug 14, 2013 12:35 PM
Read this article in
Spanish
When looking to ensure that our computers are running free software, we usually turn our attention to the operating system and programs we install. Increasingly, we also need to look at the Web sites we visit. Simply visiting many sites loads software onto your computer, primarily JavaScript, that carry proprietary licenses. If we want to be able to browse the Web without running nonfree software, we need to work together to call for change.
The Free JavaScript campaign persuades companies, governments, and NGOs to make their Web sites work without requiring that users run any proprietary software. We pick one site at a time and focus energy on it, working as a team to send many polite but firm messages to the site maintainers.
The JavaScript programs in question create menus, buttons, text editors, music players, and many other features of Web sites, so browsers generally come configured to download and run them without ever making users aware of it. Contrary to popular perception, almost no JavaScript runs "on the Web site" -- even though these JavaScript programs are hidden from view, they are still nonfree code being executed on your computer, and they can
abuse
your trust.
Join us in calling for a Web that respects our freedom by being compatible with free software. Use the action box on the right to contact the organization we're currently focusing on and ask them to make their site work without nonfree JavaScript.
We're currently working on a proud badge for Web sites that work without nonfree JavaScript. The ability to display this badge will be an incentive for sites to make the transition we request of them, and sites that already respect users' freedom will use it to distinguish themselves and to welcome free software users.
To receive updates and hear about the next site we'll focus on, please join the campaign's
low-volume mailing list
. You're also welcome to explore the
campaign's area
on the LibrePlanet community wiki, where you can help build the list of future sites to focus on. If you are an experienced JavaScript developer that's interested in helping with the campaign, we welcome you to submit a request to join our JavaScript Developers Task Force list. Please make sure to follow the
instructions
on the list info page.
Examples of proprietary JavaScript abuses
JavaScript can
identify you by the way you type
More on
fingerprinting
Capturing user input
before submitting a form
Resources
GNU LibreJS
, a browser extension to identify nonfree JavaScript
JShelter
, a browser extension meant to combat threats arising from nonfree JavaScript
Setting your JavaScript Free
, a step-by-step guide
"JavaScript: If you love it, set it free,"
a video presentation about the need for free JavaScript and how to put it into practice with Web Labels, by FSF executive director John Sullivan
The JavaScript Trap
by Richard Stallman
Blog post announcing the launch of the campaign.
News and Blogs
FSF JavaScript guidelines picked up by Posteo Webmail
Sites focused on previously
Greenpeace
, a global environmental organization. Your messages to Greenpeace paid off! They sent the FSF a friendly response and are now looking in to making their Web site work without nonfree JavaScript.
Regulations.gov
, a Web site that American citizens can use to give feedback to their government about proposed regulatory changes.
This campaign was launched with the help of FSF campaigns interns
Saurabh Nair
and
Sankha Narayan Guria
. More information about the FSF's internship program is available at
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